SABBATH
QUARTERLY
SCHOOL
N". 111

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CAL., JANUARY, 1923
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20e a year
LESSON
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Epistle
PACIFIC PRESS
A
Senior Division,
g
PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
Corporation of
S.
D. A.
of James
First Quarter, 1923
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
March
31, 1923
SOUTH AND EAST CHINA
ARE YOU READING THE "SIGNS" AND
USING IT TO REACH OTHERS?
The "Signs of the Times," with its up-to-the-minute presentation of •
current events and interesting Bible study features, is exerting a
mighty influence wherever it goes. Never before were the mails so
full of appreciative letters from Christian people who are reading it,
and from those who are seeing results from its distribution. Repre-
senting the first class, the following letter from a Presbyterian lady
in Washington,
D. C.,
is typical:
"Inclosed is my order for a renewal. Did think
I
would not
take the paper another year, but I cannot live without its
weekly visits ; its messages have become a part of my life. I
love the Bible lessons, the daily meditations,
the poetry ;
in
fact, every word is read and passed on to others.
"And I'm sorry the paper is not larger.
Am I not selfish?
I
know* is the best religious paper, printed, and cheaper than
many others. The paper has given me a deeper insight into
the Bible; made my life happier, richer, fuller; and drawn me
nearer to God than I have ever been before. I wanted to write
and tell you what it has done for one subscriber. May the
`Signs of the Times'' girdle the whole earth, and the true
Sabbath be an established fact."
Of
the possibilitiei in using the "Signs" to bring persons to an
acceptance of the truth, the following note--only one of hundreds
received—tells the story:
"I want to tell you how the Lord is touching hearts. Brother
Kruse seat the 'Signs' to a Mr. Snyder, out here in the
country, and from that one paper we have three in this mes-
sage,—Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Snyder and her brother, Mr. Quinn,
—and prospects are good for three more. Praise the Lord from
whom all blessings flow!
"Yesterday afternoon five different ones came to us
in
the
afternoon and evening to find out if this is the truth about the
Sabbath ; and this morning a stranger came and ordered the
'Signs' and paid for it for his neighbor, Mr. J. R. Johnson.
"How we wish for a good minister to teach these hungry
souls, and preach to them ! Pray for us that we may receive
wisdom from God."
While you are
engaged in other work, if need be, you can be en-
joying a
continuous experience in active work for God by personally
getting the "Signs" into homes, by furnishing it to persons direct
through the mails, or
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helping to furnish the church club of papers
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The plan is so simple and inexpensive, but it is fraught with un-
limited possibilities for good. In the church club you pay $1.10 a
copy a year for any number of copies above five; your lists of single
names and addresses,, where five or more are furnished, are received at
$1.25 each a year. Order through your church missionary secretary
or of your tract society.
THE EPISTLE OF JAMES
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
AUTHORSHIP.—
Several persons bearing the name of James
are mentioned in the New. Testament: (1)L the son of Zebedee,
Mark 1: 19, 20; 3: 17; (2) the son of Alpheus, Matt. 10: 3;
Mark 3: 18; (3) the Lord's brother, Matt. 13: 55; Mark 6:
3; (4) James the Less (possibly the same as the second men-
tioned), Mark 15: 40; (5) the brother of Jude (who may be
identical with one or more of the foregoing), Jude 1. While
there is some question as to the authorship of the epistle of
James, Bible scholars generally concede that it was written
by James the Just, the Lord's brother. He is called "the
Just" by Josephus, who says that he was celebrated for his
integrity and zeal. Dr. Adam Clarke says: "Modern critics.
are agreed, with almost entire unanimity, that 'James the
brother of our Lord,' who seems to have been recognized as
the chief minister of the church at Jerusalem, was the author
of the epistle." "He resided at Jerusalem, seems to have
been married (1 Cor. 9: 5), and was early recognized as a
leader in the church. Acts 12: 17; 21: 18; Gal. 2: 9, 12. He
appears to have seen Christ shortly before His ascension
(1 Cor. 15: 7), and to have presided over the council held at
Jerusalem
A. D.
49. - Acts 15:
13."—"Smith's Bible Dic-
tionary."
DATE AND PLACE.—
There is some difference of opinion
concerning the date of the epistle, the latest date assigned
being
A.
D. 62. "The epistle of James is generally supposed
to have been written at Jerusalem, about
A. D.
61, by James
the Just, shortly before his death."—
Id.
"Many expressions and references in the epistle make it
fully certain that it was written before the destruction of
Jerusalem. . . . It would seem, from a comparison of all the
evidence that can be made to bear upon the case, that the
epistle could-not have been written earlier than
A. D.
50, nor
later than
A. D.
62."—
Adam Clarke. •
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON
.
QUARTERLY
a
Lesion 1- Trials; Seeking Wisdom
JANUARY 6, 1923
LESSON
SCRIPTURE:
James 1: 1-8.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Read the lesson scripture.
2.
Exhortation to all Christians, questions 1-5.
3.
Source of true wisdom, questions 6, 7.
4.
Seeking wisdom, questions 8-10.
5.
The prayer of faith, questions 11-13.
6.
Unstability;
saving faith,
questions 14, 15.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
What does James call himself? To whom is this epistle
addressed? James 1: 1. Note 1.
2.
To what time does the instruction of this epistle extend?
James 5: 3, 7-9. Note 2.
3.
What experiences are we to receive with joy? James 1: 2.
Note 3.
4.
What will the trying of our faith, if patiently endured,
do for us? Verse 3. Note 4. •
5.
What scope should we give to patience? What will result
to us personally if we do this? Verse 4.
6.
From whom should we ask wisdom? What encourage-
ment is given those who thus seek? Verse 5.
7.
From whom does all true wisdom and knowledge come?
Jer. 8: 9. Compare James 3: 17.
8.
How does the wisdom of this world compare with that
which comes from above? 1 Cor. 1: 20, 2.5-27.
9.
How are we to ask for this wisdom? James
1:
6, first
part.
10.
To what are those compared who ask with doubt? Verse
6, last part. Note 5.
11.
What kind of prayer has the Lord promised to answer?
Matt. 21: 22; Mark 11: 22-24.
12.
What need not the wavering man think? James 1: 7.
13.
What is he called who,wavers through unbelief? What is
he said to be? Verse 8.
14.
What example is given,of an unstable man? How does
unstability affect the development of character? Gen.
49: 3, 4.
15.
What is possible to,the one who believes God? Mark 9: 23. ,
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY,
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Notes
1.
James assumes no title. He does not claim to be the
Lord's brother, or an apostle, or bishop at Jerusalem. He
simply designates himself as "a servant of God," a title that
is an honor above all others.
He writes- to the twelve tribes scattered abroad,— to all
Christians. His exhortations to faith, stability, obedience,
patience, and devotion to God, while equally applicable to any
age and to any people, may be especially helpful to those who
live through the conflicts of the last days.
2.
As the instruction given reaches down to the last days,
and Christians are designated as "the twelve tribes which are
scattered abroad," it shows that no Israel is now recognized
but Christian, or spiritual Israel. This would explain how the
sealing work of Rev. 7: 1-8, which gathers twelve thousand
from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, can be fulfilled in
the last generation.
3.
"The word which is here translated 'temptation' sig-
nifies affliction, persecution, or trial of any kind; and in this
sense is used her
e."—
Clarke.
When temptations come, we are not to consider them as
a punishment, or some curse or calamity visited upon us be-
cause we are wicked. God's people in all ages have been
tried, many even suffering death.
4.
The word "steadfastness" is given in the margin of the
Revised Version instead of "patience." This gives the true
idea. A person might seemingly be very patient and yet be
very unstable. The design of all trials is to develop stead-
fastness, and stability is wrought into the character of the
person who patiently endures trials.
5.
Nothing presents a more striking symbol of unstability
and restlessness than the surging, ever-changing, shifting
waves of the sea, never at rest, always on the move, coming
in and going out, subject to wind and tide. Compare Isa.
57: 20, 21. The Lord does not want us to be like that. He
exhorts us to be established on the immovable rock of faith.
It is ask and receive, seek and find. If we ask fin' wisdom,
He will not upbraid us for our ignorance, but from the store-
house of His fullness, will give liberally all that we need.
In the latest quarterly report made out by the General
Conference Sabbath School Department, 21,632 were reported
present every Sabbath, and 9,218 had studied the lesson every
,day.
At the present time, our Sabbath schools are giving about
$28,000 a week, or $4,000 a day.
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Lesson 2- The Frailty of Man; the
Root of Temptation
JANUARY 13, 1923
LESSON SCRIPTURE: James 1: 9-18.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Read the lesson scripture.
2.
Class distinction; frailty of man, questions 1-3.
3.
True riches, questions 4, 5.
4.
Enduring temptation, questions 6-10.
5.
Wages of sin; danger of not knowing the
Scriptures, questions 11-13.
G. Source of
every
g
ood and perfect gift, ques-
tions 14, 15.
7. Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
In what may one of low degree rejoice? James 1: 9.
2.
In what are the rich to rejoice? Why should this be a
cause for rejoicing? Verse 10. Note 1.
3.
How is the frailty of the rich man illustrated? Verse 11.
4.
For what good purpose may wealth be used? Luke
16: 9-12.
5.
What is characteristic of those who love riches? Eccl.
5: 10.
6.
Upon whom is a blessing pronounced? What is promised
to those who endure temptation? James 1: 12. Note 2.
7.
What are the tempted not to say? Why should they not
say this? Verse 13.
8.
Where is the root of all temptation? Verse 14. Note 3.
9.
What is the offspring of lust? Verse 15, first part.
10.
When finished, what does sin bring forth? - Verse 15,
last part.
11.
What is the wage that sin pays? Rom. 6: 23; Rev. 20: 14.
Note 4.
12.
What caution is given in reference to this matter?
James 1: 16.
13.
What did the Saviour say as to why the Pharisees had
erred? Matt. 22: 29. Note 5.
14.
From whom does every good and perfect gift come? How
is the fact of God's unchangeableness expressed?
James 1: 17. Note 6.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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15. What has God done for us? By what are we begotten?
For what purpose? Verse 18. Compare 1 Peter 1:
23. Note
7.
Notes
1.
Among men, there are class distinctions; but all are one
in Christ Jesus. Christianity brings all up on the same level.
The true value of a man consists in moral worth. Character
is what the Lord considers of value. Christ did not die for
the talented and wealthy only.. He died for all. All have
equal opportunity to be saved. The poor of this world, the
ignorant, the downcast, the downtrodden, the one of lowly
rank or humble circumstances, though of "low degree" in
man's sight, may be of infinite value in God's sight. The rich
of this world, without noble aspirations, covetous and selfish,
unless they repent, may be only as a withered branch. Well
indeed may such a one who comes to himself, and seeks the
Lord in lowliness of spirit, rejoice in that his heart has beer
broken and humbled.
2.
Before we receive the crown, we must be tested. It is
in trial that the chaff is separated from the wheat. There
must be battle fields in every life. Fire and hammer and file
are necessary to give form to metal. So character is shaped
and brightened in trial. Those who faithfully endure the
grinding, testing process ,will receive the crown.
3.
The word "lust" here means desire. The source of all
temptation is in man himself. There may be inducement to
sin; but there must be some inclination, some desire for it, to
give it power. If there were no desire, or appetite, for food,
there would be no disposition to eat even if food were placed
before us. The unrestrained man will be drawn along by his
own natural propensities to sin. Power over sin in his own
fleshly heart is the need of every human being.
4.
The wages, or reward, of sin is not eternal life in
misery, and unspeakable torture in the lake of fire; but it is
death,
the
second
death, in the "fire prepared for the devil
and his angels." The righteous receive the gift of God,
eternal life; the wicked, the opposite, eternal death.
5.
Error is darkness. Truth is light. Ignorance of the
Scriptures and of the power of God is responsible for all the
error and darkness that cover the earth, whether scientific
or religious.
6.
God is always the same, at all seasons and in all ages.
"I am the Lord, I change not." There is no alteration in His
character, His purposes, His plans. What He was in the
eternity of the past, He will be countless ages yet to come.
Human affairs change, nations pass away, but God is the
same. We have to-day the same blessed Christ that healed
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
the sick and comforted the sorrowful when on earth. Heb.
1: 10-12; 13:8.
7. The word from which the phrase "begat He us" is
translated is the same that in verse 15 is rendered "bringeth
forth." Sin "bringeth forth" death, but the word of God
"bringeth forth" life. It- is the voices of God, His word, that
"bringeth forth" the dead out of their dusty beds at the
resurrection.
Lesson 3 -- The Engrafted Word;
Pure Religion
JANUARY
20, 1923
LESSON
SCRIPTURE: James 1: 19-27.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Read the lesson scripture.
2.
Instruction in hearing and speaking, ques-
tions 1-3.
3.
The engrafted Word; hearing and doing, ques-
tions 4-8.
4.
The Christian's mirror; bridling the tongue,
questions 9-12.
5.
Pure religion, questions 13, 14.
6.
Complete surrender to God; transformation of
character, questions 15, 16.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
What instruction is given with reference to how we should
hear? What in reference to speaking? What concern-
ing anger? James 1: 19. Note 1.
2.
What similar instruction
t
is given by the apostle Paul?
Eph. 5: 4; Col. 3: 8.
3.
Why should we be slow to wrath? James 1: 20.
4.
What are we admonished to lay aside? Verse 21, first
part.
5.
What are we to receive? What is this Word able to do?
Verse 21, last part. Note 2.
6.
What is necessary upon our part, that the Word may
benefit us? Verse 22.
7.
-
To whom is the man compared who hears, but does not
obey? What does he do? What does he forget?
Verses 23, 24.
(
9
)
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
8.
By what illustration did the Saviour 'show the folly of
this course? Matt. 7: 24-27.
9.
What constitutes the great Christian mirror? To whom
is it a blessing? James 1: 25. Note 3.
10.
By what is a vain profession of religion shown? Verse
26. Note 4.
11.
From what should the tongue ever be withheld? 1 Peter
3: 10; Ps. 34: 13.
12.
What did the psalmist say he would do in this matter?
Ps. 39:1.
13.
How is pure religion defined? James 1: 27. Note 5.
14.
How much is embraced in the expression "unspotted from
the world"? 1 John 2: 15, 16.
15.
How thorough should be our surrender to God? Rom.
12: 1.
16.
To what should we not be conformed? What transforma-
tion should be experienced? Why should this change
take place? Verse 2.
Notes
1. "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin."
Prov. 10: 19. "He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life."
Prov. 13: 3. "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine
heart be hasty to utter anything before God." Eccl. 5: 2.
Many times we have occasion to regret that wet have spoken,
but seldom that we remained silent.
•
2. The Revised Version reads, "the implanted Word;" and
in the margin, "the inborn Word." The word of God im-
planted in the heart creates us new creatures in Christ Jesus.
"Having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of
incorruptible, through the word of God who liveth and abid-
eth." 1 Peter 1: 23, A. R. V., margin.
3.
It is not enough to look occasionally into the great
mirror of God's law; because, as in looking into a glass, we
soon lose sight of the defects shown us. We should continu-
ally look into the law. of God, by which sin is revealed, not
being forgetful hearers, but doers of the Word. Some en-
deavor to destroy the law, because it reveals defects and
failures in their lives. This is no wiser than it would be to
dash a mirror into fragments because it revealed defects in
our persons or clothing. Such are like the Hindu who, when
the microscope made known to him the fact that there were
living organisms in the water he drank, at once destroyed the
microscope.
4.
"Many will be weighed in the balance and found want-
ing in this mptter of so great importance. Where are the
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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Christians who walk by this rule? who will take God's part
against the evil speaker? who will please God, and set a
watch, a continual watch, before the mouth, and keep the
door of the lips? Speak evil of no man. Hear evil of no man.
If there be no hearers, there will be no speakers of evil. If
anyone speaks evil in your presence, check him. Refuse to
hear him, though his manner be ever so soft, and his accents
mild. He may profess attachment, and yet throw out covert
hints and stab the character in the
dark."—"Testimonies,"
vol. 2, p.
54.
5. Much is said about the need of the' physical nature for
pure water, pure air, and pure food. But that which is of
the greatest importance is pure religion. It is possible to
drink pure water, breathe pure air, and eat pure food, and
yet be corrupt in heart, and have a censorious, domineering
character. Only by the power of God, through the Holy
Spirit, can the wicked, deceitful heart -of man be changed.
Lesson 4—God Is No Respecter of Persons;
the Judgment Standard
JANUARY 27, 1923
LESSON SCRIPTURE: James 2: 1-13.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Read the lesson scripture.
2.
God no respecter of persons, questions 1-6.
3.
Our attitude toward all men, questions 7, 8.
4.
Oppressing the poor; the royal law, questions
9, 10.
5.
Transgressors of the law, questions 11-13.
0. Standard of God's judgment, questions 14, 15.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
With what exhortation does this chapter open? James
2: 1. Note 1.
2.
How are the rich and the poor frequently distinguished?
Verse 2.
3.
How was respect of persons often manifested? Verse 3.
4.
What had those become who made these distinctions?
Verse 4.
5.
How does God look upon the inhabitants of this world?
Ps. 33: 13-16.
6.
What did the apostle Peter perceive? Acts 10: 34, 35.
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
7.
What should be our attitude toward all men? Prov. 24:
23; 28: 21. Note 2.
8.
To whom is the kingdom of God promised? James 2: 5;
Matt. 5: 3, 5, 10.
9.
What charge is made against some? How had they been
treated by rich men? James 2: 6, 7.
10.
How is the royal law fulfilled? Verse 8. Compare Matt.
22: 35-40. Note 3.
11.
What do those do who have respect of persons? By what
is this sin shown? James 2: 9.
12.
Of what are those guilty who offend in but one point?
Verse 10. Note 4.
13.
.How is this illustrated? Verse 11.
14.
What is this law called? How are we exhorted to speak?
Verse 12.
15.
How will those be judged who have shown no mercy?
Verse 13.
Notes
1.
The Revised Version, margin, of this text reads, "My
brethren, do ye, in accepting persons, hold the faith of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory?" None who profess
the pure and undefiled religion of our Lord should countenance
any distinction, or manifest any partiality, among members
of the church, because of difference in wealth or social stand-
ing. We are all one in Christ Jesus.
2.
While God is no respecter of persons, He is a respecter
of character. He will immortalize a pure and holy character
in His kingdom. We too should love and respect good charac-
ter, no matter in whom it may be found.
3.
We are here cited to the higher, supreme law, before
which all will stand on an equality. There will be no •rich or
poor, no high or low. Right and wrong, guilt and innocence
alone will be considered. It is "the royal law" because it is
the law of the great King. Before this law all must bow..
By it all differences must finally be settled.
4.
The moral law "is that revelation of the divine will
which relates to the duties men owe both to their Maker and
to their fellow men, or neighbors, as explained in Luke 10:
33-37. This law is spiritual and perfect, extending to all the
inward creations and outward actions of men, and can never
be changed or annulled."—"Binney's
Theological Compend,"
p. 153.
Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, March 31, 1923. South and
East China Union Missions.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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Lesson 5 -- Faith and Works
FEBRUARY
3, 1923
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
James 2: 14-26.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Read
the lesson scripture.
2.
Faith without works, questions 1-3.
3.
Real faith prompted by love questions 4-7.
4.
An example of perfect faith, questions
8,
0.
5.
Justification by faith, questions 10-12.
6.
Rahab's faith; illustration of a dead
faith,
questions 13, 14.
7.
Review the lesson.
•
Questions
1.
What question does James ask concerning faith? James
2: 14.. Note 1.
2.
By what illustration does he make plain the meaning of
his question? Verses 15, 16. Note 2.
3.
What conclusion is drawn? Verse 17.
4.
What does real faith do? Gal. 5: 6.
5.
What objection is propounded? What challenge is made
in reply? James 2: 18. Note 3.
6.
How is faith in the existence of God commended? What
is said about the faith of the fallen angels? Verse 19.
Note 4.
7.
What conclusion is again drawn? Verse 20.
8.
What question is asked in reference to Abraham? Verse
21.
9.
What was it that wrought the works? How was the per-
fection of faith shown? Verse 22. Note 5.
10.
What scripture was thus fulfilled? What is Abraham
called? Verse 23.
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•
11.
How is this same truth stated by the apostle Paul? Rom.
4: 1-5.
1.2. What conclusion is drawn from the example of Abra-
ham? James 2: 24.
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•
13.
What further example is given of justification by faith?
Verse 25.

A
14.
What impressive illustration
Verse 26.'
Notes
•
1. "Can faith save him?"- Yes, real faith can save the
soul. "By grace are ye saved
through faith."
"He that be-
is given of' a dead faith?
•
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
lieveth • . . shall be saved." Works cannot save us. We
are saved by faith alone. But the writer of this epistle is
seeking to show that the mere profession of faith does not
prove that we have faith. James is setting forth the empti-
ness of the claim when there is no fruit in the life as a proof.
A sign advertising wares for sale is not sure evidence that
the goods are within. The meaning here seems to be that
that faith which a man may claim to have, but which does not
manifest itself in a holy life, will save no one, for it is not
genuine faith.
2.
The apostle. Paul speaks of the "work of faith." 1
Thess. 1: 3. Faith is living, and manifests itself in good
works. That kind of faith which permits a man to say, "I
have faith," and at the same time allow the destitute to go
unfed and unclothed, when he might minister to their needs,
is of no avail. It is dead. It does not exist in reality. Such
a person does not really believe. He is professing to be what
he is not. The fruit seen in the life will determine whether
or hot we have real faith. The tree is known by the fruit.
3.
"The word which ,is rendered 'yea' would be better
rendered by 'but.' The apostle designs to introduce an ob-
jection, not to make an affirmation. The sense is, 'Some one
might say,' or, `To this it might be urged in reply.' That is,
it might perhaps be said that religion is not always manifested
in the same way, or we should not infer, because it is not
always exhibited in the same form, that it does not exist.
One man may manifest it in one way, and another in another,
and still both have true piety. One may be distinguished for
his faith, and another for his works, and both may have real
religion."—
Barnes.
"But it must be a living faith— a faith that shows its
sincerity by the sacrifices of self which it makes, by the works
of love which it performs. A merely intellectual orthodoxy
may be held by demons. A mere profession of faith may be
worth no more than the body of a man without the breath
of life. A true faith loves, works, lives. It regulates the
conscience, the speech, and the life, by the conviction of God's
constant presence; it shows its appreciation of spiritual
realities by separation from the world. It takes the law of
God as a reality, and; bringing its grand truths and inspiring
motives to bear directly upon the conduct of every day, works
by
love."—"Bible in the Home," p. 115.
4.
A mere intellectual belief is not faith: It will save no
one. The fallen angels intellectually believe in God. They
know He exists. They have been in heaven. They know
something of His nature and majesty, though engaged in war-
fare against Him. Their belief does not lead them to re-
pentance. It terrifies them. They tremble at the knowledge
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

15
of the future which their belief reveals to them. Mari
-
y have
what might be termed an intellectual belief in, the existence
of God, and in the inspiration of the Word, yet continue in
sin. Real faith leads to a reformation of life, a surrendering
of all to God, manifested in a service of love.
5. "There are many who fail to understand the relation
of faith and works. They say, 'Only believe in Christ, and
you are safe. You have nothing to do with keeping the law.'
But genuine faith will be manifest in obedience."-"Patri-
archs
and Prophets," pp. 153, 154.
Lesson 6-The Tongue
FEBRUARY 10,
1923
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
James 3: 1-9.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Read the lesson scripture.
2.
Believers cautioned; test of one's power to
control the body, questions 1-4.
3.
The "unruly member,"
questions
5-8.
4.
Our words; will stand for or against us in the
Judgment, questions 9-11.
5.
Unsuccessful attempts to tame the tongue,
questions 12, 13.
6.
Exhortations to those desiring life, questions
14-16.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
Against what did James caution the believers? What
reason is given for the caution? James 3: 1. Note 1.
2.
What does he say we all do? Verse 2, first part.
3.
What is the test of one's power to control the whole body?
Verse 2, last part. Note 2.
4.
How does the wise man state the same thing? Prov. 13:
3; 29: 11, 20.
5.
How are horses made obedient? James 3: 3.
6.
How are ships controlled? Verse 4.
7.
How is the tongue described? Verse 5. Note 3.
8.
How is the "unruly member" further described? How
does it sometimes affect believers? Verse 6. Note 4.
9.
What do our words reveal? Matt. 12: 34; Luke 6: 44, 45.
10.
By what will we be judged at the last day? Matt. 12:
36, 37.
16
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
11.
What exhortation does Solomon therefore give concern-
ing our words? Eccl. 5: 2; Prov. 10: 19.
12.
What success have men had in training animals? James
3: 7.
13.
What success has attended their efforts to bring the
tongue into subjection? What is said of the tongue?
Verse 8.
14.
What inconsistent use .is often made of the tongue?
Verse 9.
15.
What exhortation is given those who desire life? Ps.
34: 12, 13.
16.
'What should be our prayer in regard to the organs of
speech? Ps. 141: 3.
Notes
1.
The•plan of this epistle seems to be to call attention to
such things as especially needed to be corrected. Some of the
errors and improprieties that existed among the people have
been noticed in the previous chapter. Others are noticed in
this chapter.
The Revised Version of this verse reads, "Be not many of
you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive
heavier judgment." "Evidently designed to censure the false
mania for teaching, the dogmatizing contentiousness which is
thoroughly characteristic of Judaizing Christians."—
Lange.
2.
"He who truly masters his words will master his works."
3.
The Revised Version, margin, reads, "Behold, how great
a forest is kindled by how small a fire!" The figure is that of
a widespread conflagration kindled by the incendiary work
of an unruly, unsanctified tongue.
4.
"Setteth on fire the wheel of nature." R. V. This in-
dicates how an unbridled tongue can completely possess and
have a reflex influence on the soul, changing the whole course
of human life into a great fire wheel of destruction. "Set on
fire of hell." The word "hell" is not here translated from
the word
hades,
meaning the grave, but from
gehenna.
The
unsanctified, unruly tongue kindles in the family, in the
church, in the neighborhood, the flames of
gehenna
—"fire of
hell." We should individually take heed that we do not kindle
the first spark of this awful devastation.
How often this "fire of hell" has been kindled in churches
and communities by the improper use of the tongue! Nothing
will drive the Holy Spirit from the life more effectually than
a wrong use of this unruly member. An unbridled, uncon-
secrated tongue may be a remorseless tool of Satan. There
is no more infamous instrument of evil than the tongue of
the gossiper, the tattler, the backbiter, and the slanderer.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

17
There are many tearful eyes, broken hearts, ruined homes,
and blasted lives, as the result of the wrong use of the
tongue. Churches have been ruined and neighborhoods dis-
graced by busybodies and scandalmongers.
Lesson 7 - The Tree Known by the Fruit
FEBRUARY
17, 1923
LESSON SCRIPTURE :
James 3: 10-18.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Read
the lesson scripture.
2.
Inconsistencies in the life, questions 1-5.
3.
What our words reveal; true wisdom, ques-
tions 6-S.

.
4.
The results of envy and strife, questions 9-11.
5.
Laying
aside all evil speaking, questions 12-14.
6.
The fruit of righteousness, questions 15, 16.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1. After speaking of an unruly tongue, what inconsistency
in the life does James mention? What is said of this?
James 3: 10. Note 1.
•
2. What does Solomon say concerning the , power of the
tongue? Prov. 18: 21.
3.
What illustration is used to show the incongruity of such
a life? James 3: 11. Note 2.
4.
By what other illustrations is this inconsistency empha-
sized? Verse 12. Note 3.
5.
By what illustration did Jesus set forth this same truth?
Matt. 7: 15-20.
6.
What do our words reveal? Luke 6: 45; Matt. 12: 33-35.
7.
By what are true wisdom and understanding revealed?
James 3: 13. Note 4.
8.
Through what was the true light made known to the
world? John 1: 4; 9: 5. Note 5.
9.
If we have strife in the heart, what are we bidden not
to do? James 3: 14. Note 6.
10.
From what source does such wisdom come? Verse 15.
11.
What is the fruitage of envy and strife? Verse 16.
12.
What are we earnestly exhorted to lay aside? 1 Peter
2: 1.
13.
What led the people to crucify Christ? Matt. 27: 18;
Mark 15: 10.
18
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
14.
What comparison does Solomon make between a sound
heart and one filled with envy? Prov. 14: 30.
15.
What is said of the wisdom from above? James 3: 17.
16.
How is the fruit of righteousness sown? By whom is it
sown? Verse 18. Note 7.
Notes
1.
"These things ought not so to be." That is, they
must
not be, they are not fitting.
2.
No fountain is both sweet and bitter. Be the stream
of impure water ever so small that comes into the fountain
of pure water through some opening or fissure in the rock,
the whole fountain is made impure. No such inconsistency is
found in nature as for a fountain to send forth both fresh
water and salt, and•none such should be found in the life of
any individual, especially a Christian.
3.
Four illustrations are given, showing the inconsistency
of living such a contradictory life: (a) a fountain;
(b)
a fig
tree •
(c)
a vine;
(d)
salt water. A fountain cannot produce
sweet water and bitter; a fig tree cannot produce olive berries;
a vine cannot bear figs; the sea cannot yield fresh water. Ac-
cording,to the ordinary operations of nature, these things are
impossible. All these illustrations are used to show the utter
impossibility of depravity and virtue dwelling in the same
heart, or of the love of God dwelling in the heart when hatred
and malice are cherished.
4.
Proud, haughty, disdainful, unholy persons may pass
for great scholars, and have the reputation of being very
learned; but such do not have true wisdom. This comes from
above, and is revealed in a holy life.
5.
That "the life is the light" is true of Christ's followers
also. We are epistles known and read of men. Our words
have but little weight unless they are emphasized by a con—
sistent life.
6.
"If ye be under the influence of an unkind, fierce, and
contemptuous spirit, even while attempting or pretending to
defend true religion, do not boast. . . . Ye have no religion,
and no true wisdom; and to profess either is to lie against the
truth."—
Clarke.
7.
"Sown in peace." Fields are not sown with grain in the
tumult of a mob, or in a battle. Nothing is more peaceful
than a farmer going forth with measured tread to scatter
seed over his field. "The whole effect, therefore, of religion is
to produce peace. It is all peace — peace in the original, and
in its results; in the heart of the individual, and in society;
on earth, and in heaven."—
Barnes.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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19
Lesson. 8- Friendship with the World;
Its Results
FEBRUARY
24, 1923
LEssoN SCRIPTURE: James 4: 1-8.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Read the leSson scripture.
2.
Personal application of strife among the mem-
bers, questions 1-3.
3.
Prayer; Jesus' example; things that hinder,
questions 4-7.
4.
Friendship with the world, questions S-11.
5.
Submitting to God; resisting the enemy, ques-
tions 12-15.
0. An earnest admonition, question 16.
7. Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
With what question does this chapter open? What an-
swer is given? James 4: 1. Note 1.
2.
How is strife 'among members described? Verse 2, first
part.
3.
To what lack is their condition attributed? Verse 2, last
part. Note 2.
4.
What encouragement have we to pray? John 14: 13;
Luke 11: 9-13; Matt. 21: 22.
5.
What example did Jesus leave us in this matter? Mark
1 : 35; Luke 5: 15, 16; 6: 12.
6.
What did James say had hindered answer to prayer?
James 4: 3. Note 3.
7.
What similar instruction is given elsewhere in the Word?
Ps. 66: 18; Isa. 1 : 13-15. Compare 1 John 3: 22;
John 9:31.
8.
What are professed Christians who unite with the world
called? What is the friendship of the world said to
p

be? James 4: 4, first part.
9.
What is said of one who is a friend of the world? Verse
4, last part. Note 4. Compare 1 John 2: 15, 16.
10.
In what words, did Jesus state the same truth? Matt.
6:24.
11.
What question does James next ask? James 4: 5. Note 5.
12.
Whom does the Lord resist? To whom is grace given?
Verse 6. Note 6.
20
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
13.
How are we counseled to relate ourselves to God? What
attitude are we to maintain toward the enemy?
Verse 7.
14.
How did Jesus, when tempted, resist the enemy? Matt.
4: 1-10.
15.
How successful was He in resisting the tempter's power?
Verse 11. Compare Isa. 59: 19.
16.
What earnest admonitign to personal godliness is given?
James 4: 8. Note 7.
Notes
1.
Hitherto the instruction and admonitions seem to have
been somewhat general. But now the application is made
more personal: "Whence come wars and fightings
among you."
"Not public or national wars, nor yet conflicts in the
courts, but rather quarrels growing out of their selfishness
and uncharitableness."—
Clarke.
2.
"Ye have not, because ye ask not." One of the great
causes of all spiritual death, and strife in homes and churches,
is here pointed out. It is the lack of prayer.
'3. "The general sense is: If you prayed aright, this feel-
ing of continued craving after more of worldly things would
not exist. All your proper wants would be supplied; and
these improper ones, which beget wars and fightings among
you, would not exist"—
Alford.
4.
This world has its god. We cannot worship the God
of heaven and the god of this world. Those who bow before
the god of this world are truly the enemies of God.
"How strange it is that people professing Christianity can
suppose that with a worldly spirit, worldly companions„ and
their lives governed by worldly maxims, they can be in favor
of God, or have a place in the kingdom of heaven! When the
world gets into the church, the church becomes a painted
sepulcher, its spiritual vitality being extinct."—
Clarke.
5.
The Revised Version, margin, reads: "Or think ye that
the Scripture speaketh in vain? That Spirit which He made
to dwell in us yearneth for us even unto jealous envy." This
rendering contains a promise of the indwelling presence of
the Holy Spirit to resist envy.
6.
"The sure way to ,please God is to submit to the dis-
pensations of His grace and providence; and when a man
acknowledges Him in all his ways, He will direct all his steps.
The covetous man grasps at the shadow and loses the sub-
stance."—
Clarke.
7.
"The heathen and the Jews were accustomed to wash
their hands before they engaged in public worship. The
particular idea here is, that in order to obtain the favor of
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

21
God, it is necessary to put away our sins; to approach Him
with the purpose and desire to be pure and holy. The mere
washing of the hands, in itself, could not recommend us to
His favor; but that of which,
the washing of the hands would
be an emblem would be accepted in His sight. It may be in-
ferred from what is said here that no one can hope for the
favor of God who does not abandon transgression."-
Barnes!
Lesson 9 - Judging; Vanity of
Earthly Things
MARCH 3, 1923
LESSON SCRIPTURE: James 4: 9-17.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Read the lesson
scripture.
2.
Exhortation to repentance and humility;
speaking evil one of another, questions 1-4.
3.
Judging others, questions
5-S.
4.
Presumptuous planning
concerning this life,
questions 9, 10.
5.
The frailty of man, questions 11-13.
O. Boasting; result of not doing what we know
is right, questions 14, 15.
7. Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
What exhortation to deep repentance does the writer of
this epistle next give? James 4: 9. Note 1.
2.
What further admonition is given? If this is heeded,
what blessed result will follow? Verse 10. Note 2.
3.
What are we admonished not to do? Verse 11, first part.
4.
Of what are those guilty who speak evil of their brethren?
What do those become who do this? Verse 11, last
part. Note 3.
5.
What similar instruction is given by Jesus? Matt. 7: 1, 2.
6.
In what words does the apostle Paul emphasize the same
truth? Rom. 2: 1; Eph. 4: 29-31.
7.
What instruction does the apostle Peter give concerning
evil speaking? 1 Peter 2: 1.
8.
How many true sources of law are there? What is this
Lawgiver able to do? What searching personal ques-
tion is asked? James 4: 12. Note 4.
9.
What class was specially addressed? What' are these
persons represented as saying? Verse 13. Note 5.
22

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
10.
How is the uncertainty of life pointed, out? Verse 14.
Note 6.
11.
How is the weakness and frailty of man expressed by the
'

psalmist? Ps. 39: 5.
12.
How does the prophet Isaiah set forth the brevity of
man's life? Isa. 40: 6.
13.
What ought we therefore to say, in all the affairs of this
life? James 4: 15. Note 7.
14.
In what were they rejoicing? What is said of this kind
of rejoicing? Verse 16.
15.
What is the sad result of failing to do what we know is
right? Verse 17.
Notes
1.
James continues his exhortation and admonition to
those who through lack of Christian experience were guilty
of the things mentioned in the previous lesson. Thorough
repentance and humiliation of heart are demanded from those
who transgress the instruction of the Lord.
2.
"Mourners and penitents lay on the ground and rolled
themselves in the dust. When comforted and pardoned, they
arose from the earth, shook themselves from the dust, and
clothed themselves in their better garments. God promises to
raise men from the dust, when they are truly humbled."—
Clarke.
3.
."There is nothing more decidedly condemned in the
Scriptures than the habit of pronouncing a judgment on the
motives and conduct of others. There is nothing in which we
are more liable to err, or to indulge in wrong feelings; and
there is nothing which God claims more for Himself as His
peculiar prerogative."—
Barnes.
4.
Those who judge usurp the office and prerogative of
the supreme Judge. As God alone knows the heart and can
read the motives, He alone can be the Judge. Those, there-
fore, who assume to judge others, put themselves in the place
of God, which is the essence of papacy.
5.
Reference is here made, probably, to a custom of an-
cient times. People traded from city to city, carrying their
goods on their backs. Presumptuously planning concerning
the things of this life, while leaving God out of the reckon-
ing, and taking no account of the vicissitudes and uncertain-
ties of life, is rebuked. The evil of fixing a time to make a
journey, designating the period during which they would re-
main, and when they would return, without any reference to
God's will or purpose, is pointed out. This contains a search-
ing lesson for this time.
' SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

23
6.
The Revised Version reads: "What is your life? For
ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then
vanisheth away." Surely man, being but a vapor, has nothing
whereof to boast. How needful that he lay hold upon an en-
during substance!
7.
"Not only our doing depends on the will of the Lord,
but also, first of all, life itself."-
Lange.
Lesson 10 - Last-Day Conditions; Exhorta-
tions to Patience
MARCH
10,
1923
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
James 5: 1-10.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Read the lesson scripture.
2.
Distress among the rich, questions 1-4.
3.
Oppression of the poor, questions 5-7.
4.
Exhortation to patience; the early and the
latter rain, questions 8-10.
5.
The great day near at hand, questions 11-13.
6.
Murmur not; example of suffering affliction,
and patience, questions 14, 15.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
What distress among the rich does James describe?
James 5: 1.
2.
What is said of the condition of their earthly treasures?
Verse 2. Note 1.
3.
What is said of their gold and silver? What will the
rust be?
-
Verse 3, first part. Note 2.
4.
To what time is this accumulation of wealth especially
applied? Verse 3, last part.
5.
How are those who labor, represented as being treated?
Who listens to their cry of distress? Verse 4.
6.
To what purpose have the rich employed their wealth?
What have they worshiped? How is the terrible time
in
which they live described? Verse 5. Compare
Eze. 9: 4-8.
7.
What acts of oppression have the rich committed? James
5: 6. Note 3.
8.
What are the believers exhorted to do? Until what time?
Verse 7, first part.
24

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
A Time of Trouble for the Rich.
9.
What illustration is used to make clear what is meant
by being patient? Verse 7, last part. Compare Rom.
12: 19. Note 4.
10.
What exhortation is repeated? What should be the con-
dition of the heart? James 5: 8, first part. Note 5.
11.
What great event is near at hand? Verse 8, last part.
12.
What admonition did Jesus give those who were to be
living at the time of His coming? Matt. 24: 44-51.
13.
What similar counsel did the apostle Paul give? Rom.
13:11-13.
14.
What are we told not to do? Why should we avoid this?
Who is at the door? James 5: 9. Note 6.
15.
Who is set forth as our example at this time? Verse 10.
Notes
1.
"The term 'riches' •is to be taken . . . generically for
all kinds of property having a money value which is proverbi-
ally liable to loss or perishing."—
Clarke.
2.
"A witness." "Their putrefied stores, moth-eaten gar-
ments, and tarnished coin are so many proofs that it was not
for want of property that they did not help the poor, but
through selfishness and avarice they defrauded the poor."
" 'Eat your flesh as it were fire.' This is a very bold and
striking figure. He represents the rust of their coin as be-
coming a canker that should produce gangrenes and phage-
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

25
"The hire of the laborers . . . crieth."
denous ulcers in their flesh, till it should be eaten away from
their bones."—
Clarke.
3.
"And he doth not resist." The poor have no one to
plead their cause while they are groaning under the load of
injustice and oppression. But if they wait patiently, the
One into whose ears their cry has entered will give justice
and equity to all.
4.
The reference to the early and the latter rain has a
broader application. The early rain was the rain of the
seedtime, the latter rain was the rain of ripening for the
harvest. The first fell in Judea about November; the second,
toward the end of April, when the ears of grain were filling.
Without these, the earth would have been unfruitful. In like
manner, the former rain of the Spirit fell at Pentecost to
water the seed. The latter rain is to fall to ripen the harvest
of the earth. We are to be patient until then.
5.
In the time of trial, we are not to grow impatient, and
seek, as many do. to right wrongs by resorting to force and
questionable methods; but we should look forward patiently
to the time when Jesus will come and render a just reward
to every man.
6.
"Groan not; grumble not; do not murmur through im-
patience; and let not any ill treatment which you receive
induce you to vent your feelings in imprecations against your
oppressors. Leave all this in the hands of the Lord."—
Clarke.
26

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Lesson 11- Patience; Prayer for the Sick;
Saving a Sinner
MARCH 17, 1923
LESSON SCRIPTURE: James 5: 11-20.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Read the lesson scripture.
2.
Patience; attributes of God's character; a
strong admonition, questions 1-3.
3.
Prayer for the sick, questions 4-7.
4.
Prevailing prayer; example, questions 8-10.
5.
Our attitude toward those who trespass
against us, questions 11, 12.
6.
Saving a sinner, questions 13, 14.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
Who does the apostle say are counted blessed? Of what
does he say we have heard? What have we seen?
What beautiful attributes of God's character are men-
tioned? James 5: 11. Note 1.
2.
What strong admonition is given? Verse 12.
3.
What counsel did the Saviour give concerning this same
matter ? Matt. 5: 33-37. Note 2.
4.
What are the afflicted to do? The merry ? James 5: 13.
Note 3.
5.
What are the sick exhorted to do? What are the elders
to do? Verse 14. Note 4.
6.
What will the prayer of faith do? What blessing is as-
sured to those who are raised up in answer to prayer?
Verse 15. Note 5.
7.
What should those do who desire to be healed? Verse 16,
first part. Note 6.
8.
What is said of fervent prayer? Verse 16, last part.
9.
What example is given of the power of prevailing sup-
plication? Verses 17, 18. Note '7.
10.
What assurance has Jesus given us that our prayers will
be answered? John 14: 13; Mark 11: 22-24.
11.
What is said of the one who succeeds in turning a sinner
from the error of his ways? James 5: 19, 20.
12.
What did Jesus instruct us to do when a brother tres-
passes against us? Matt. 18: 15-17.
13.
How does the Lord regard the saving of a soul? Luke
15: 10.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

27
14. How is this same comforting truth expressed by one of
the prophets ? Eze. 18: 23, 32.
•
Notes
1.
"The
end
of the Lord." The word "end" here means
object. There was a purpose in the trial and affliction of
Job. The Lord was working toward an end. It is even so
in the trials and afflictions that He permits to befall each of
us. In trial, we are to learn that the Lord is pitiful and com-
passionate.
2.
"Our Saviour did not, however, forbid the use of the
judicial oath, in which God is solemnly called to witness that
what is said is the truth, and nothing but the truth. Jesus
Himself, at His trial before the Sanhedrin, did not refuse to
testify under oath. The high priest said unto Him, 'I adjure
Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou be
the Christ, the Son of God.' Jesus answered, 'Thou hast
said.' Had Christ, in the Sermon on the Mount, condemned
the judicial oath, He would at His trial have reproved the
high priest, and thus, for the benefit of His followers, have
enforced His own teaching."—"Mount
of Blessing," p. 103.
3.
"The remedy is prayer; not necessarily to obtain the
reward of trial, but at any rate for the increase of faith, to
raise the spirits, so that we' be
comforted
and of good cheer."
—"Speaker's Commentary."
4.
"In the word of God we have instruction relative to
special prayer for the recovery of the sick. But the offering
of such prayer is a most solemn act, and should not be entered
upon without careful consideration. In many cases of prayer
for the healing of the sick, that which is called faith is noth-
ing less than presumption."—"Ministry
of Healing," p. 227.
Read the entire chapter on this subject.
5.
"It is labor lost to teach people to look to God as a
healer of their infirmities, unless they are taught also to lay
aside unhealthful practices. In order to receive His blessing
in answer to prayer, they must cease to do evil and learn to
do well. Their surroundings must be sanitary, their habits
of life correct. They must live in harmony with the law of
God, both natural and spiritual."—
Id.,
pp.
227, 228.
6.
"If any who are seeking health have been guilty of evil
speaking, if they have sowed discord in the home, the neigh-
borhood, or the church, and have stirred up alienation and
dissension, if by any wrong practice they have led others into
sin, these things should be confessed before God and before
those who have been offended."—
Id.,
p.
229.
7.
It would be helpful, in the study of this lesson, to read
carefully the story of Elijah's remarkable experience recorded
28
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
in 1 Kings, chapters 17, 18. We should remember that
,
Elijah
was a man like ourselves, having the same passions and de-
sires; and what God did for him in answer to prayer, He is
able and willing to do for us, if we continue in prayer as
Elijah did.
Lesson 12 - Covetousness
MARCH 24, 1923
Daily Study Outline
1.
The sin of covetousness, questions 1-3.
2.
Covetousness and idolatry, queStions 4-7.
3.
Root of evil; qualifications of men chosen an-
ciently as leaders of God's people, ques-
tions 8-10.
4.
All things belong to God; our relation to them,
questions 11-13.
5.
The Lord's charge against His people; the sad
result, questions 14, .15.
6.
Blessing to those who repent, questions 16, 17.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
Repeat the tenth commandment. Ex. 20: 17. Note 1.
2.
What warning did the Saviour utter against covetous-
ness ? Luke 12: 15. Note 2.
3.
By what parable did He emphasize this solemn warning?
Verses 16-21.
4.
How is covetousness defined by the apostle Paul? Col.
3: 5. Note 3.
5.
What will be the awful end of idolaters? Eph. 5: 5;
Rev. 22: 15.
6.
How does the Lord regard a covetous person ? Ps. 10: 3.
7.
What was the sin of Achan ? Joshua' 7: 20, 21. Note 4.
8.
What is the root of all evil? How have some erred in
this matter? What has been the sad result? 1 Tim.
6: 10.
9.
What warning does the apostle give? Verse 11.
10.
What kind of persons were to be chosen anciently as
leaders among God's people? Ex. 18: 21.
11.
To whom do all things in the earth belong? To whom do
we belong? Ps. 24: 1; 50: 9-12; Haggai 2: 8.
12.
What is man's relationship to all these things? Luke
19: 13.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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13.
How much of all we have is holy to the Lord ? Lev.
27: 30-33.
14.
What charge does the Lord bring against His people ?
Mal. 3: 8. Note 5.
15.
What is the sad result of robbing God? Verse 9.
16.
What blessing is promised to those who repent? Verses
10, 11.
17.
What promise is made to those who hate covetousness?
Prov. 28: 16.
Notes
1.
"The greatest sin which now exists in the church is
covetousness.
'—"Testimonies," vol. 1, p. 194.
2.
"I saw that anciently the covetousness of some led them
to withhold a suitable proportion; they made their offering
stinted. This was recorded in heaven, and they were cursed
in their harvest and their flocks just as they withheld. Some
were visited with affliction in their
pmilies.
God would not
accept a lame pffering."—
Id.,
p.
221.
3.
"The word of God defines covetousness as idolatry. It
is impossible for men and women to keep the law of God and
love money. The heart's affections should be placed upon
heavenly things. Our treasure should be laid up in heaven;
for where our treasure is, there will our heart be also."—
Id.,
vol. 3, p. 130.
4.
"A concealed golden wedge and a Babylonish garment
troubled the entire camp of Israel.. The frown of God was
brought upon the people because of the sin of one man.
Thousands were slain upon the field of battle because God
would not bless and prosper a people among whom there was
even one sinner, one who had transgressed His word."—
Id.,
p.
239.
5.
"I saw that many who profess to be keeping the com-
mandments of God are appropriating to their own use the
means which the Lord has intrusted to them, and which should
come into His treasury. They rob God in tithes and in of-
ferings. They dissemble, and withhold from Him to their
own hurt. They bring leanness and poverty upon themselves-
and darkness upon the church, because of their covetousness,
their dissembling, and their robbing God in tithes and in
'offerings."—
Id.,
p.
269.
Are you planning for the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering,
March 31, 1923? South and East China Union Missions.
The Sabbath school lessons for next quarter will be a study
of the First Epistle of Peter.
30
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SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Lesson 13 — Review
MARCH 31, 1923
Daily Study Outline
1.
Exhortation to all Christians; the' frailty of
man; the root of temptation, questions 1, 2.
2.
The engrafted Word; pure religion, question 3.
3.
God no respecter of persons, question 4.
4.
Faith and works, question 5.
5.
The tongue; the tree known by the fruit,
questions 6, 7.
6.
Friendship with the world; judging; vanity
of earthly things, questions 8, 9. •
7.
Last-day conditions; exhortations to patience;
prayer for the sick; saving a sinner, ques-
tions 10, 11.
Questions
1.
Who is the author of the epistle of James ? What does
the writer call himself ? When we fall into trial, what
are we to do?. Where is the source of wisdom.? To
what are those compared who ask in the spirit of
doubt? How great is the possibility of faith? James
1: 1-8.
2.
To what are the rich compared? Will the accumulation
of wealth bring peace to the heart? What is the wages
of sin? By what are Christians begotten? Verses 9-18.
3.
What counsel is given in reference to hearing and speak-
ing? What should Christians put away? What should
they receive? What is the great mirror of character?
How is pure religion defined? Verses 19-27.
4.
With what exhortation does chapter two open? Is there
distinction of persons with God? Whom has God
chosen as heirs of the kingdom ? What is the stand-
ard of the Judgment? James 2: 1-13. •
5.
What question is asked concerning a faith that does not
work? What is said about the faith of the fallen
angels? What is the evidence of true faith? How
was faith shown in the experience of Abraham?
Verses 14-26.
6.
In what do many offend ? What are those who control
their tongues able to do ? How is the unruly nature
of the tongue illustrated? James 3: 1-9.
•
7. Can sweet water and bitter flow from the same fountain?
How is the true nature of a tree shown? What do
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our words reveal ? Describe the wisdom that is from
above. Verses 10-18.
8.
What does James say is the cause of strife and contro-
versies among the members? What hinders prayer?
What is union with the world called? With what
weapon should we resist temptation ? James 4: 1-8.
9.
What is said of the sin of judging? What is said con-
cerning the uncertainty
,
of life? Whom should we
recognize in all the affairs of life? Verses 9-17.
10.
How is the distress described that is coming upon the
rich? When does this especially apply? What con-
flict between capital and labor is mentioned? What
exhortations are given to God's people? State the
time and purpose of the latter rain. What example of
patience is given? James 5: 1-10.
11.
What instruction is given concerning praying for the
sick? What instruction is given concerning confession
to one another? What case is cited as an example of
prevailing prayer? Verses 11-20.
The superintendent who has a •vision of what a Sab-
bath school should be and do will work as faithfully to
get the Sabbath School Worker into use by every officer
and teacher as a progressive educational leader would
in behalf of charts, maps, and reference libraries.
Moreover, the Worker brings into the Sabbath school
a spiritual influence that may mean more than all else.
Officers and teachers of our most successful schools
take it, as do hundreds of members who wish to' make
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Thirty-two pages, monthly. 90 cents a year singly;
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Our Hearts and Treasure
Are in foreign missions. Some of
us have sons, daughters, or other
relatives, or personal acquaintances,
out at the front. Most of us are
giving generously of our means for
the carrying forward of the work
they are doing.
Nothing else thrills like the mission stories that
are told to us. Did you ever notice how willing our
people are to remain overtime when Elder Spicer
tells of the experiences of our missionaries ? Seems
as if we can't get enough. And so it should be.
To read his new book, OUR STORY OF MIS-
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pages contain not only scores of incidents in connec-
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